Every year, our engineering teams in Japan have a “Fun Day” with action-packed activities like go-karting or bubble soccer, followed by a BBQ. In recent years, I’ve been happy to see more choices, including activities where people can explore at their own pace. As an introvert, I really appreciate having these different options.

Last time, I chose the Harry Potter Studio Tour, even though I’d never read the books or watched the movies! I simply liked the idea of exploring at my own pace. I do feel a little sorry for the real fans who couldn’t go, though.

This year, I chose the Edo-Tokyo Museum, which had just reopened after four years of renovation. I knew very little about the Edo period, so I was looking forward to learning more about life back then. One occupation in particular fascinated me: a traveling book lender. Once I started imagining what a day in that job would be like, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. And soon I found myself picking up books to learn more.

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My wife had recommended Dazaifu Tenmangu as a must-see place for my solo trip to Fukuoka, in Kyushu. I’m not usually someone who gets motivated by the words “must-see.” But perhaps my years as a manager have improved my judgment about which recommendations are better followed than questioned. My wife’s “simple recommendations” fall into that category.

So I made the shrine my first stop.

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